Dentist uses webcam for check-ups

on 23 January 2008

A London dentist is giving patients check-ups over the Internet – and believes that ultimately the technology could mean people getting a check-up in the comfort of their own home.

At the moment, patients still have to go to Dr Jerry Watson’s clinic to be filmed. This is carried out while patients have a £50 clean by a hygienist.

He then views the clips via the Internet and decides if the patient needs to be seen by him in person.

Dr Watson – who is expanding his London practice, Toothplace, to 20 more UK sites this summer – says it means that eventually the webcam will enable him to monitor patients at all his clinics – without leaving his surgery.

He also thinks this could be developed further.

‘There’s no reason people couldn’t get seen from home if they’ve a high quality camera,’ he said.